FREDERICK COUNTY, Md.
– Five students from Brunswick High School are facing criminal charges following two separate incidents in which classmates were allegedly assaulted inside the school’s locker room, according to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.
The incidents, described by authorities as “disturbing group misconduct,” involve members of the school’s lacrosse team. Investigators have not classified the actions as hazing but confirmed both attacks took place during unsupervised periods in early April.
A civil lawsuit filed by one victim’s family details an alleged assault on April 11, when the student was restrained by teammates and touched with a rubber object. The suit claims three individuals also forced the object into the victim’s mouth, and another student recorded the incident on video, which was later shared.
Authorities also confirmed a similar assault occurred on April 3. In that case, a second student was allegedly restrained by teammates who attempted to place the object in his mouth while a video was taken. According to investigators, two students involved in the earlier incident were also linked to the April 11 case.
Charges filed under Maryland juvenile law
Because the suspects are minors, their names have not been released. Charges filed include:
- A 17-year-old: fourth-degree sex offense, second-degree assault, and two counts of visual surveillance of a private area
- Two 16-year-olds: second-degree assault
- Two 15-year-olds: second-degree assault, with one facing two counts
The sheriff’s office stated it did not investigate the response of school staff. However, under Maryland law, coaches and school officials are required to report any suspected sexual abuse to law enforcement. The family of one of the victims says they made the report themselves.
The Board of Education has not commented, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Meanwhile, a petition calling for the removal of the lacrosse coach, athletic director, and principal has gathered more than 500 signatures.
